PhD student In vitro BBB modelling for Alzheimer's Disease

VascuLink – Modelling the neurovascular unit by linking brain organoids to the blood-brain barrier

This four-year PhD project develops a next-generation human neurovascular unit-on-a-chip. We integrate our iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier (BBB) model with cortical organoids and electrophysiological readouts. Our goal is to build a human-relevant platform to study neurovascular dysfunction in alzheimer’s disease and accelerate preclinical drug development while reducing animal use.

VascuLink is a unique public-private partnership. The Neuro-immunology research group at Amsterdam UMC contributes expertise in BBB biology and iPSC-derived models (Elga de Vries' lab). UMC Utrecht adds knowledge on cortical organoids (lab of Elly Hol). NETRI provides organ-on-chip technology. Accure Therapeutics supports translational validation. hDMT strengthens standardisation of new approach methodologies. Proefdiervrij, Hersenstichting and Alzheimer Nederland ensure societal relevance and patient alignment within the BRAINS initiative.

As a PhD candidate, you enrol in the Graduate School of Amsterdam UMC.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

You develop and validate an advanced in vitro BBB model integrated with cortical brain organoids. You focus on modelling neurovascular dysfunction in alzheimer’s disease and testing BBB-restoring compounds.

Your work includes:

• establishing a hiPSC-derived BBB model using brain microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes on organ-on-chip platforms;
• integrating isogenic cortical organoids and validating functional connectivity between compartments;
• assessing vascular, glial and neuronal function using multi-electrode arrays (MEA) and electrophysiological readouts;
• generating an alzheimer’s disease model using patient-derived hiPSCs;
• evaluating the therapeutic potential of BBB-repair compounds as proof-of-concept.

You collaborate closely with academic and industry partners and present your findings at consortium meetings and scientific conferences.

You are driven to advance translational neuroscience and reduce reliance on animal models. You combine technical expertise with perseverance and a collaborative mindset.

You have:

• A master’s degree in bioengineering, neuroscience, biomedical sciences or a related field;
• Experience with iPSC culture and differentiation and/or in vitro BBB models;
• Affinity with organoid systems, organ-on-chip technology and neurovascular biology;
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently and in a team;
• Excellent English communication skills, written and spoken.

Experience with MEA technology, neuroimmunology or alzheimer’s disease models is a plus. Hepatitis B vaccination is mandatory and provided by Amsterdam UMC.